Composer

:

Johann Sebastian Bach

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Cantata

Compose Date

:

1727 - 1731

Publication Date

:

1864

Average_duration

:

19:31

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Johann Sebastian Bach composed Cantata No. 195, Dem Gerechten muss das Licht, BWV 195, in Leipzig in 1727. The cantata was premiered on the 23rd Sunday after Trinity, which fell on November 11th of that year. The cantata consists of five movements, including an opening chorus, two arias, a recitative, and a closing chorale. The text is based on a passage from the Book of Job, which speaks of the light that shines on the righteous. The opening chorus is a grand and majestic piece, featuring a full orchestra and choir. The music is characterized by its use of counterpoint and fugue, as well as its powerful and uplifting melody. The choir sings of the light that shines on the righteous, and the music reflects this with its bright and joyful tone. The first aria is sung by a soprano soloist and is accompanied by a solo violin. The music is delicate and graceful, with a flowing melody that reflects the text's description of the righteous as being like a tree planted by a stream. The violin adds a sense of beauty and elegance to the piece, and the soprano's voice soars above it all. The second aria is sung by a bass soloist and is accompanied by a solo oboe. The music is more somber and introspective than the previous movement, reflecting the text's description of the wicked as being like chaff blown away by the wind. The oboe adds a mournful quality to the piece, and the bass's voice is full of sorrow and lament. The recitative is sung by a tenor soloist and is accompanied by a continuo. The music is simple and understated, with the tenor's voice conveying a sense of urgency and importance as he speaks of the need to follow the path of righteousness. The closing chorale is a simple and straightforward piece, featuring the choir singing a hymn of praise and thanksgiving. The music is characterized by its use of harmony and homophony, with the choir singing in unison to create a sense of unity and togetherness. Overall, Cantata No. 195, Dem Gerechten muss das Licht, BWV 195, is a beautiful and uplifting piece of music that reflects Bach's mastery of counterpoint, fugue, and melody. The music is characterized by its use of orchestration, harmony, and vocal technique, and it is a testament to Bach's skill as a composer.

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